Riverview student writer published in national publication

Dillon Carr | Friday, October 11, 2019 12:18 p.m.

Dillon Carr | Tribune-Review

Madeline Warren, 12, was recently recognized by Young Writers as having a “Talent for Writing” and one of her pieces was chosen to be published in the organization’s anthology.

A seventh-grade Riverview student’s writing was recently selected to be published in a national publication.

Madeline Warren, 12, of Verona was a Verner Elementary School student in April when she submitted a “mini saga” to Young Writers, an organization focused on youth literacy based in Massachusetts.

Madeline entitled her mini saga “The Shifting Emotions of Your Highness Princess Stella.” It followed Young Writers’ Crazy Creatures theme. The competition required students to create a creature and write a short story under 100 words inspired by the creature.

The organization received more than 8,000 entries from across the state.

Madeline’s teacher, Mallory Hopple, said several students participated in the writing exercise, but Madeline was the only student in her class to submit a piece. As a result, Madeline’s story was chosen to be published.

“I just think it’s really important for students like Madeline, who is super talented in the arts, to do stuff like this,” Hopple said. “There aren’t many chances to let students use their imaginations anymore.”

Madeline said she drew inspiration from her teacher and her interest in reading books from the fantasy genre. Her favorites include Tui T. Sutherland’s “Wings of Fire” book series and Rick Riordian’s “Percy Jackson” series.

“I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I like reading those books,” Madeline said.

Hopple, now a fifth-grade ELA teacher, said she happened upon the competition when she searched for a program that allowed students to explore their writing talents and use creativity.

A representative at Young Writers said in a letter to Hopple that she should be proud of her students’ writing.

“I was impressed with their writing, and it’s clear that you’ve really inspired them with Crazy Creatures — it’s been a privilege to read, and every piece will make a fantastic addition to Crazy Creatures 2019 — Pennsylvania Mini Sagas!” the representative said.

Hopple was impressed by the message in Madeline’s story.

“It’s saying that it doesn’t matter how many people say you can’t or shouldn’t do something — you still can. That’s an important message for all youngsters these days,” she said.

This Riverview seventh grader wrote this mini story for a competition in April. It has been selected by @YoungWritersCW to be published in an anthology. Here's Madeline Warren, 12, reading her piece. Check out @TribLIVE for the story. pic.twitter.com/7PQIlAkRjS

— Dillon Garrett Carr (@dillonswriting) October 11, 2019

Below is Madeline’s short story:

“The celebrational cheers helped her gain ease, but much confidence must still be left in the royal carriage, Stella thought as she climbed the infinite staircase to the palace. Being the first of her kind, a shape-shifter, to become royalty was like having the royal carriage on her shoulders. “Freak!” haters would holler. “Monster!” even. So often, Stella almost believed it. Almost. She would not her … urge to swap forms ruin her special day. The door now opened in front of her, letting her know she’d be just fine. “Here we go … my life begins today!”

Madeline’s story will be published in a Young Writers anthology soon, and winners from the national competition will be chosen and announced in December. The winner will receive an iPad and three runners-up will each receive $50 gift cards for Amazon.